January 20, 2026
In This Edition… many airline updates including flight service additions and WIFI services, more on Europe’s ETA requirement, TSA expands touchless ID program for PreCheck, robotaxi service, hotel updates, and much more!
Dans cette édition… de nombreuses mises à jour concernant les compagnies aériennes, y compris l’ajout de services de vol et de services Wi-Fi, plus d’informations sur les exigences européennes en matière d’ETA, la TSA élargit son programme d’identification sans contact pour les voyageurs PreCheck, le service de taxi robot, des mises à jour concernant les hôtels, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2026
Discover the latest corporate travel trends in AI, sustainability, loyalty programs, global complexity, and cost resilience.
Podcast: Embracing Modern Travel Management
Top insights from episode 2 of the Altitude with Attitude podcast. Direct Travel & the Conrad Hilton Foundation explore how to modernize a travel program.
Airline & Flight Updates
Air Canada Adding Legroom to Some Premium Seats
Open Jaw — Air Canada is reconfiguring certain aircraft to add more legroom to “premium and preferred seats.”
United Launches Advance Meal Purchase for Economy Flyers
Travel Weekly — Advance orders can be made on the United app and website, beginning five days before a flight and ending 24 hours before departure.
Lufthansa to Add Free Starlink Wi-Fi to Fleet
Business Travel News — Lufthansa Group to roll out high-speed internet access across existing and new fleet through 2029.
Air France, KLM Extend NDC Interline Bookings to Delta
Business Travel News — Air France and KLM each have expanded their New Distribution Capability offers to include interline flights with Delta Air Lines.
Qatar Airways Launches World’s First Starlink-Equipped Boeing 787
Insider Travel Report — Qatar Airways, operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, has become the first carrier globally to outfit a Boeing 787-8 with Starlink connectivity.
Air France Achieves Fleet Renewal Milestone With 50th A220 and 40th A350 Delivery
TravelPulse — Air France marked a milestone by receiving its 50th A220 and 40th A350, enhancing fleet renewal efforts to decarbonize and modernize, with investment over €1 billion annually and aiming for 80% next-generation aircraft by 2030.
American Airlines Launches Free Wi-Fi
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The carrier says the complimentary service will be available for loyalty members on almost all flights by spring.
Delta Air Lines Expanded This Airport Perk for Delta One Travelers
TravelPulse — Delta Air Lines has expanded its premium Delta One check-in areas to all eight U.S. hub airports, enhancing the experience for Delta One business class travelers with exclusive spaces offering amenities, personalized assistance, and expedited processes.
Hawaiian Airlines to Invest $600M to Improve Guest Experience
PhocusWire — The airline said it will be launching an updated app and website with self-service features.
American Airlines Is Expanding Its AI-based "Connect Assist" Service
TravelPulse — The Dallas-based carrier has been expanding an AI-based service called Connect Assist, which uses an algorithm to assess whether the airline can hold the plane for passengers with tight connections, to more airports throughout the United States.
Safety & Security
$45 Fee Option for Air Travelers Without a REAL ID Begins February 1
TSA.gov — Passengers without an acceptable ID at airport checkpoints can now access payment portal for TSA ConfirmID to pay in advance.
New UK Entry Rules Begin February 2026: What Travelers Need to Know
TravelPulse — Visitors heading to the United Kingdom beginning February 25, 2026 will now be required to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter—including travelers from the United States.
TSA Expanding PreCheck Touchless ID to 50 New Airports
TravelPulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to expand its expedited Touchless ID program for PreCheck members to include as many as 65 U.S. airports by the end of spring 2026.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Uber, Nuro, Lucid Confirm On-road Robotaxi Testing
PhocusWire — The companies said commercial robotaxi service is expected to launch in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year.
Hotel News
Hilton Expands Portfolio With New Apartment Collection
TravelPulse — The hotel giant is partnering with Placemakr to offer flexible, short-term rentals in such urban destinations as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.
WorldHotels Touts Dramatic Growth Around the Globe
TravelPulse — WorldHotels is rapidly expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio, adding nearly 100 hotels in 2025 and planning 40 more in 2026.
Wynn Resorts to Build Two New Hotels Near Boston
TravelPulse — Wynn Resorts owns nearby Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, too.
Choice Continues Growth in Canada
Hotel Investment Today — Choice Hotels International is partnering with Bing Zhao in Canada to expand its upscale soft brand, Ascend Collection, with six new properties scheduled to open in Québec in early 2026. Zhao is one of Québec’s most established hotel developers and has been a Choice franchisee since 2017.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Celebrates 35 Years and a Growing Portfolio
TravelAge West — Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is marking its 35th anniversary with continued portfolio expansion news and a slate of new member hotels planned for 2026.
IHG to Open its First Voco All-inclusive in the U.S.
Travel Weekly — The Voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort in Port St. Lucie, Fla., will debut on Jan. 30 on the site of a former Club Med property.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Can TSA Search Your Phone?
Afar Magazine — What to know about electronic device inspections at the airport…
We Tried These 5 Unusual Jet Lag Remedies to See If They Work
Afar Magazine — Jet lag can really put a damper on international travel. Here’s how you might be able to beat it.
6 Simple Ways to be a More Sustainable Traveler in 2026
TravelPulse — From traveling off season to eating locally sourced food, here are six easy ways to be a more sustainable traveler this year.
DHS Won't Accept a REAL ID in Lieu of a Passport
USA Today — Travelers in the U.S. can fly with either a REAL ID or passport, but the two are not interchangeable. What to know.
New Phase of LAX Construction Will Cause Traffic Delays—What Travelers Should Know
TravelPulse — Travelers heading to one of the busiest airports in the United States could face delays and complications when trying to reach their terminal.
Delta and Sphere Partner to Launch Luxe Sky Club in Las Vegas
TravelPulse — Delta Air Lines opened a Delta SKY360° Club inside Sphere in Las Vegas, offering SkyMiles members premium experiences during events, as part of its partnership with Sphere.
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